Can the Orlando Magic finally break through in the East? The team that once hovered around mediocrity now stands at the edge of real contention. After finishing last season with a 41-41 record and securing the seventh seed in the Eastern Conference, the Magic managed to fight their way out of the Play-In Tournament—only to fall to the Boston Celtics in a five-game first-round series. But this time, things might be different. The Magic’s window to rise is wide open thanks to injuries and shifting dynamics across the conference. Could this be the season they finally advance past the first round for the first time since 2009–10? Let’s break down how their retooled roster might make that happen.
Point Guard
Jalen Suggs returns as the team’s floor general after undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery last season. Limited to just 35 games, Suggs still delivered career highs of 16.2 points and 3.7 assists per game, while his defensive energy—1.5 steals a night—remained elite. Orlando’s offensive system often distributes ball-handling duties across multiple players, so Suggs doesn’t always rack up high assist totals. Yet his two-way influence is undeniable. If he can rediscover his 2023 shooting stroke, when he knocked down nearly 40% from deep compared to 31.4% last year, he’s primed for a true breakout season. Still in rehab, his sights are set on being ready for the Oct. 22 opener against the Miami Heat.
Backing him up is Tyus Jones, signed to a one-year, $7 million deal. Jones brings a steadier, more traditional approach and could easily step into the starting lineup if Suggs isn’t at full speed. Last season with Phoenix, he averaged 10.2 points and 5.3 assists per game, functioning as an efficient organizer of the offense. Expect him to lead the second unit with veteran poise.
Anthony Black, entering year three, rounds out the depth chart. Though he started 43 games over his first two seasons, he’ll now have to fight for minutes with a healthy Suggs and Jones in front of him. His production increased last year, but his efficiency took a dip—something the Magic coaching staff will monitor closely.
Shooting Guard
Here’s where the offseason shocker comes in. Orlando pulled off one of the boldest trades of the summer, acquiring Desmond Bane from the Memphis Grizzlies in exchange for Cole Anthony, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, the No. 16 pick in the 2025 draft, three unprotected first-rounders, and a future pick swap. A steep price? Absolutely. But the Magic are betting big that Bane’s elite shooting unlocks a new level of offense. Known for his deadly accuracy, the 41% career three-point shooter immediately fills the team’s most glaring weakness.
They also drafted Michigan State standout Jase Richardson with the 25th overall pick. He’s expected to challenge Jett Howard, whose performance over two inconsistent seasons hasn’t lived up to expectations. If Richardson impresses early, Howard could see his minutes drop drastically. Could this internal competition spark a much-needed surge in Orlando’s spacing and scoring?
Small Forward
Franz Wagner continued his ascent last year, jumping from 19.7 to 24.2 points per game between 2023 and 2024. The increase came mainly from volume rather than efficiency, but with more balanced support around him this season, the German forward might refine his shooting percentages. Wagner’s ability to create, handle, and pass (career-best 4.7 assists per game) makes him a multi-dimensional threat and a key connector in Orlando’s offensive scheme.
Behind him, second-year player Tristan da Silva is earning quiet praise. While his rookie stats—7.2 points and 3.3 rebounds—don’t leap off the page, coaches value his composure, perimeter game, and team-first playstyle. Don’t be surprised if da Silva becomes one of the Magic’s most reliable rotational wings this year.
Power Forward
When healthy, Paolo Banchero is the face of this franchise. The former Rookie of the Year and All-Star averaged 25.9 points per game last season but appeared in only 46 contests due to a torn oblique. His health will dictate the Magic’s early-season performance—and possibly their playoff fate. If Banchero regains his form quickly, Orlando could transform from an upstart to a true top-four threat in the East.
If Banchero’s return is gradual, veteran Jonathan Isaac could fill the gap. However, Isaac’s career has been riddled with injuries, and his offensive game doesn’t rival Banchero’s. Instead, his presence shines on defense. Alongside Suggs, Isaac remains one of the most versatile defenders in the league, capable of guarding all five positions—a rare and valuable skillset that anchors Orlando’s identity. In certain lineups, expect Wagner or da Silva to slide into the four-spot when extra spacing is needed.
Center
At the five, the Magic’s lineup remains in flux. Last season’s minutes were split between Wendell Carter Jr. and Goga Bitadze. Carter provides floor spacing potential, but his shooting dipped from 37.4% from deep in 2023 to only 23.4% in 2024, which limited his impact. His playing time in 2025 will hinge on how quickly that jumper returns.
Bitadze, meanwhile, embraces the dirty work. A bruiser in the paint, he shot 61% from the field and averaged 6.6 rebounds in just 20 minutes per game. With Bane’s shooting now stretching defenses, Bitadze’s interior focus might fit better. He could thrive as the lone non-shooter in certain lineups, anchoring the team’s rebounding and rim protection.
So what’s next for the Magic? With youth, depth, and newfound offensive firepower, Orlando’s ceiling has never looked higher. But was trading a haul for Bane wise—or a risky overreach for a team still on the rise? It’s the kind of move that divides fan bases. Where do you stand: bold brilliance or early gamble? Share your take below—this debate is just heating up.
